{"id":443979,"date":"2026-01-28T23:53:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T23:53:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/443979\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T23:53:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T23:53:18","slug":"queensland-at-risk-of-vaccine-shortage-after-structural-collapse-at-major-health-facility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/443979\/","title":{"rendered":"Queensland at risk of vaccine shortage after structural collapse at major health facility"},"content":{"rendered":"

Queensland is facing a possible vaccine shortage after a structural collapse at the site of the state\u2019s only vaccine<\/a> stockpile.<\/p>\n

Part of the loading bay collapsed in December at Toll Warehouse in Richlands, Brisbane<\/a> \u2014 which stores healthcare products including the state\u2019s supply of vaccines.<\/p>\n

It halted distribution from the facility.<\/p>\n

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The warehouse is the only distribution centre for Queensland<\/a> Health and is said to have contained the department\u2019s entire stockpile of vaccines.<\/p>\n

Concerns have been raised over the availability vaccines which are part of the childhood immunisation schedule, such as meningococcal and HPV vaccines, especially as students return for a new school year.<\/p>\n

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia said it will continue to liaise with Queensland Health to support continuity of vaccine availability, \u201cparticularly at the start of a year when parents are often considering vaccination ahead of return to school and childcare after summer holidays\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cPSA understands Queensland Health have put in place alternate supply arrangements for government-funded vaccines while the Richlands facility is inaccessible,\u201d PSA Queensland state manager Karen Castle said.<\/p>\n

\u201cQueensland Health is regularly updating pharmacy immunisation providers regarding stock availability. PSA understands most government-funded vaccines remain available to order.<\/p>\n

\u201cPharmacies are able to contact Queensland Health to facilitate urgent stock requests.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"VaccinesVaccines are being brought in from interstate while the Queensland facility goes under a structural review. Credit: AAP<\/p>\n

Castle said people are urged to contact their local pharmacist or other immunisation providers if they have questions regarding vaccine availability.<\/p>\n

Queensland Health said action was taken after the incident, with contingency plans activated to maintain vaccine deliveries across the state.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe took immediate action to avoid any disruption to vaccine supply following an incident at Toll\u2019s storage facility and Toll has established a temporary site in Victoria to support the Queensland vaccine program,\u201d a spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.<\/p>\n

The department said deliveries were being managed to ensure those with the greatest need were prioritised, with operations expected to stabilise in the coming days.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile there may be a delay for some deliveries, there is no cause for vaccine service providers to be concerned about access to vaccine stock,\u201d Queensland Health said.<\/p>\n

\u201cStock remains safely stored with appropriate temperature-control until access can be co-ordinated and we are working closely with Toll to ensure access to the Richlands site as soon as possible. \u201c<\/p>\n

A Toll spokesperson said a \u201cretaining wall incident\u201d occurred at the site which had temporarily paused operations there.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are working closely with our customers to establish interim distribution arrangements and continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n

\u201cInvestigations into the cause of the incident are underway. Our focus remains on restoring operations safely and as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe appreciate the patience of healthcare providers and the community during this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"TheThe $10 million \u2018cutting-edge\u2019 facility was opened in 2023. Credit: Google Maps<\/p>\n

The $10 million \u201ccutting-edge\u201d facility was opened in 2023 and was said to \u201csupport the delivery of patient-critical healthcare products to Queensland communities\u201d.<\/p>\n

At the time it opened, Toll said the facility had been custom designed to support the \u201cunique requirements\u201d of customers including CSL and Queensland Health, and will \u201cstore and manage inventory of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, vaccines, and consumer health products\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be the primary distribution centre of National Immunisation Program flu vaccines for Queensland Health in 2023,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n

The custom-built distribution centre has storage capacity of 4,600sqm and contains coolroom facilities, as well as ultra-low freezers for the storage and distribution of specialised vaccines.<\/p>\n

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